1999 Reconnaissance Level (1:20000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory in the Herrick Creek Watershed WSC:

Transcription

1 1999 Reconnaissance Level (1:20000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory in the Herrick Creek Watershed WSC: Sub-Basins: to Prepared For: Canadian Forest Products Ltd. P.O. Box 9000 Prince George, B.C. V2L 4W2 Approved By: RPBio. March, 2000 Prepared By The Lheidli T'enneh Band 1041 Whenun Road Prince George, B.C. V2K 5G5 DRAFT

2 Project Reference Information MELP Project Number OPM98110 FRBC Project Number 99PGFL FDIS Project Number 1781 FRBC Region Prince George MELP Region 7A-Omineca-Peace FW Management Unit 7-18 DFO Sub-District Upper Fraser Forest Region Prince George Forest District Prince George Forest Licensee and Tenure # Canadian Forest Products Ltd. P.O. Box 9000 Prince George, B.C. V2L 4W2 First Nation Traditional Territory Forest License A56313 Lheidli T'enneh Band Watershed Information Watershed Group Watershed Name Watershed Code Herrick Creek Ice Creek (local) Spakwaniko Creek Direct 4 th Order Trib. to the Herrick Creek Confluence UTMs Herrick Cr. to McGregor R. Ice Cr. (local) to Herrick Creek Spakwaniko Cr. to Herrick Cr. Watershed Area Herrick Creek Watershed Ice Cr.(local) Sub-Basin Spakwaniko Cr. Sub-Basin Direct 4 th Order Trib. to the Herrick Creek 1999 Study Area Total Stream Length in 1999 Study Area Stream Order NTS Maps Herrick Creek Watershed 1999 Study Area McGregor Group Herrick Creek km 2 42 km km 2 13 km km km Herrick Creek 6 th, Ice Creek (local) 4 th, Spakwaniko Creek 5 th 93I/2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 11 93I/6, Herrick Creek Watershed Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory pg. i

3 Watershed Information (continued) TRIM Maps for 1999 Study Area 93I.025,.034,.035,.036,.044,.045,.046 BEC Zone ESSF and SBS Air Photos for 1999 Study Area 30BCB96045 ( ), 30BCB96021 (60-69), 30BCB96045 (60-71), 30BCB96021 (11-22), 30BCB96045 (28-41), 30BCB96021 (88-96), 30BCB96025 (1-8), 30BCB96033 ( ), 30BCB97038 ( ) Sampling Design Summary Field Sampling Dates August 20-September 12, 1999 Total Number of Reaches in the 1999 Study Area (P) 989 (998)* Total Random Sampling Reaches in the 1999 Study Area (P) 74 Total Discretionary Sampling Reaches in the 1999 Study Area (P) 59 Total Sample Reaches in the 1999 Study Area (P) 133 Total Surveyed Stream Reaches in the 1999 Study Area (F) 151* Reaches Added During Stream Surveys 5 Total Surveyed Stream Sites in the 1999 Study Area (F) 155* Total Surveyed Primary Lakes in the 1999 Study Area (F) 2 Total Surveyed Secondary Lakes in the 1999 Study Area (F) 1 Tributaries Added During Lake Surveys 12 Unmapped Tributary Reaches Added During Lake Surveys 3 (P) = Planning Data, (F) = Field Data *See Sections 3.1 and 4.2 for Project Plan Details Contractor Information Project Manager: Lake Surveys and Lake QA/QC Audit By: (Sub-contractor) Brian Toth, R.P. Bio. Lheidli T enneh Band 1041 Whenun Road Prince George, B.C. V2K 5G5 Phone: (250) briant@lheidli.ca Dave Hamilton, M.Sc., R.P.Bio. EDI Environmental Dynamics Inc. Suite rd Avenue Prince George, B.C. V2L 3G7 Phone : (250) Field Crew: B. Smith, D. Kingston, G. Seymour, M. Seymour, C. Chingee, P. Witherspoon, C. Cena, R. Smith, B. Toth, B. Cranston, T. Newman Data Entry By: J. Yarmish Report Preparation By: J. Yarmish Report Edited By: R. Smith, R.P. Bio Herrick Creek Watershed Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory pg. ii

4 Contractor Information (cont'd) Maps Prepared By: Voucher Species ID By: Watershed Report QA/QC Audit By: (Sub-contractor) G. Haines Lheidli T enneh GIS Dept Whenun Road Prince George, B.C. V2K 5G5 Phone: (250) Dr. Gordon Haas MoELP Fisheries Research Section 2204 Main Mall, University of British Columbia Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4 Phone: (604) Tara C. White, R.P.Bio. EDI Environmental Dynamics Inc. Suite rd Avenue Prince George, B.C. V2L 3G7 Phone : (250) Disclaimer This product was created in accordance with approved standards within the limits of Ministry quality assurance procedures. Users are cautioned that interpreted information on this product developed for the purposes of the Forest Practices Code Act and Regulations, for example stream classifications, is subject to review by a statutory decision-maker for the purposes of determining whether or not to approve an operational plan. Acknowledgments Funding for this inventory was provided by Forest Renewal BC (FRBC) a partnership of forest companies, workers, environmental groups, First Nations, communities and government. Forest Renewal BC funding from stumpage fees and royalties that forest companies pay for the right to harvest timber on Crown lands is reinvested in the forests, forest workers and forest communities. Kerry Deschamps (FRBC Coordinator) of Northwood Inc. initiated and supervised the project and his input and direction were appreciated. Lynn Blouw (Regional Fisheries Inventory Specialist) of the Ministry of Environment, Lands, and Parks (MELP), Prince George Region, provided technical support. Mr. Gordon Haas (MELP, University of British Columbia, Vancouver), and Dr. J. Don McPhail (Dept. of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver) provided confirmation on fish species vouchers. We appreciate the professional services of Pacific Western helicopters Ltd., Prince George. We thank the support staff at the Herrick Creek logging camp for providing our staff with comfortable accommodations Herrick Creek Watershed Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory pg. iii

5 Table of Contents Project Reference Information. Watershed Information... Sampling Design Summary.. Contractor Information.. Disclaimer and Acknowledgements... List of Tables.... List of Figures.. List of Appendices.. List of Attachments. 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Project Scope and Objectives. 1.2 Location Access. 2.0 RESORCE INFORMATION 2.1 Summary of Previous Fish and Fish Habitat Inventories 3.0 METHODS. 3.1 Project Plan Data Collection and Procedures. 3.3 Data Entry. 3.4 Fish and Fish Habitat Maps. 4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 4.1 Logistics 4.2 Field Based Adjustments Fish Habitat and Distribution Direct 1 st and 2 nd Order Tributaries to Herrick Creek Direct 3 rd Order Tributaries to Herrick Creek (ILP s 30153, 30166, 50234; WSC ) Direct 4 th Order Tributary to Herrick Creek (WSC ) Ice Creek Sub-Basin Mainstem Reaches of Ice Creek (WSC Direct 1 st and 2 nd Order Tributaries to Ice Creek. Page i i ii ii iii v v vi vi iv

6 Direct 3 rd Order Tributaries to Ice Creek (WSC , , , , ; ILP 30030) Spakwaniko Creek Sub-Basin Mainstem Reaches of Spakwaniko Creek (WSC ) Direct 1 st and 2 nd Order Tributaries to Spakwaniko Creek Table of Contents (cont d) Page Direct 3 rd Order Tributaries to Spakwaniko Creek (WSC , , , , , ; ILPs and 40319) Direct 4 th Order Tributaries to Spakwaniko Creek (WSC , ) Fish Age, Size, and Life History Significant Features and Fisheries Observations Fish and Fish Habitat Habitat Protection Concerns Fisheries Sensitive Zones Fish above 20% Gradients Restoration and Rehabilitation Opportunities. 4.6 Fish Bearing Status Fish Bearing Reaches Non-Fish Bearing Reaches Follow-up Sampling Required 4.7 Wildlife Observations REFERENCES List of Tables 1. Stream survey equipment list Potential barriers to fish migration in the 1999 Herrick Creek study 16 area. 3. Fish data summary for the 1999 Herrick Creek study 24 area 4. Stream riparian classifications as per the Forest Practices Code of 29 BC Reaches inventoried within the Herrick Creek watershed in 1999 and determined to be fish bearing Reaches inventoried within the Herrick Creek watershed in 1999 and determined to be non-fish 36 bearing Herrick Creek Watershed Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory pg. v

7 List of Figures 1. The 1999 study area within the Herrick Creek 2 watershed. 2. Bull trout fork length histogram for fish captured in the Herrick Creek watershed during the 1999 field 25 season Chinook salmon fork length histogram for fish captured in the Herrick Creek watershed during the 1999 field season Rainbow trout fork length histogram for fish captured in the Herrick Creek watershed during the 1999 field 26 season 5. Mountain whitefish fork length histogram for fish captured in the Herrick Creek watershed during the 1999 field season Herrick Creek Watershed Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory pg. vi

8 List of Appendices 1. FDIS Summaries and Photographs for all reaches sampled in Print outs of Reach, Site, Lake, and Fish forms and photographs - organized as per order of discussion in report and in ascending watershed code/ilp and site NID order. Book 1- Herrick Creek mainstem and Ice Creek watershed field information. Book 2 - Spakwaniko Creek watershed field information. 2. Hard Copy maps associated with the 1999 inventory work. Project Overview Map (11"x17") Fisheries Project Maps (093J.025, 34, 35, 36, 44, 45, 46) Fisheries Interpretive Maps (093J.025, 34, 35, 36, 44, 45, 46) Reconnaissance Lake Inventory Report of Unnamed Lake (WBID 00091HERR). Prepared by Environmental Dynamics Inc. (bound separately) Reconnaissance Lake Inventory Report of Unnamed Lake (WBID 00092HERR). Prepared by Environmental Dynamics Inc. (bound separately) Reconnaissance Lake Inventory Report of Unnamed Lake (WBID 00094HERR). Prepared by Environmental Dynamics Inc. (bound separately). 6. Fish Identification Submission Form. List of Attachments Available at Prince George Regional MoELP Office 1. Planning Document 1 2. Field Notes Book 1 Copies of Field Site and Fish Forms Book 2 Original Field Site/Fish Forms and Field Working Maps 3. Collected Fish Aging Structures (Lake WBID00091 HERR only) 4. Voucher/DNA Samples 2 (DNA samples from Lake WBID00091 HERR only) vii

9 List of Attachments (cont d) 5. Photodocumentation i) Photo Documentation Report ii) Photo Survey Form 1 Equipment Details. iii) Printouts of Photo Summary Indices. iv) Index Prints as Thumbnail References. v) All Negatives Indexed by Roll. 6. Digital Data i) CD-ROM 1 of Reconnaissance Lake Inventory Reports of Unnamed Lakes WBID 00091HERR, 00092HERR, and 00094HERR. Prepared by Environmental Dynamics Inc. Contains Photographs and Reports. ii) CD-ROM 2 of Reconnaissance Lake Inventory Reports of Unnamed Lakes WBID 00091HERR, 00092HERR, and 00094HERR. Prepared by Environmental Dynamics Inc. Contains Reports. iii) CD-ROM 3 of 8 - Watershed Report. Contains FDIS files (version 7.2), Scanned (digital) Photographs for Roll 1, Report and Appendices (Word and Excel documents), Planning Document, and Map Files/Tables. iv) CD-ROMS 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 of 8 Digital photos for rolls 2, 3, 4, rolls 5, 6, 8, 9, rolls 11, 12, 13, rolls 14, 15, 16, 18 and rolls 26, 27, 30, 63, 82, 87 respectively. 7. Hardcopy FISS Update Data Forms and Map i) Summary of historic and project data not already in FISS. ii) Annotated 1:50k map showing historic and project updates not already in FISS. iii) Bibliography reference. 8. Aerial Photography 3 NOTE: 1 Planning Document not attached as it was previously submitted to MoELP. 2 Voucher samples were kept at the Lheidli T enneh Band. The Fish Identification Submission Form is submitted as Appendix 6 in this report. 3 Aerial Photography is not attached. Both orthophoto and hard copy air photos are on file at the Lheidli T enneh Band. vii

10 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Project Scope and Objectives The objective of the work undertaken in 1999 was to continue Reconnaissance Level (1:20000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventories within the Herrick Creek watershed, and complete follow-up sampling from 1997 and This inventory will provide information regarding fish species presence and distributions, as well as stream reach and wetland biophysical data for interpretation of habitat sensitivity and capability for fish production. Stream inventory work, in 1999, was undertaken by the Lheidli T enneh Band based on a previously approved watershed based plan formulated by the Band using Resource Inventory Committee standards (Lheidli T enneh Band 1999a). This work will assist in ongoing resource planning by providing essential fish and fish habitat information that will allow for accurate stream and riparian classifications according to the Forest Practices Code (FPC). The work also identifies areas that may be sensitive to development so that resource planning can maximize the protection of important habitats while minimizing negative impacts on the environment. 1.2 Location Herrick Creek (watershed area 1,825 km 2 ) is a major tributary to the McGregor River (watershed area 5,414 km 2 ) within the mid-eastern portion of British Columbia (Fig. 1). The Herrick Creek mainstem is a 6 th order stream. This watershed is situated in the Hart Range of the Rocky Mountains and is typified by large amounts of steep-land, ice fields, and sub-alpine/alpine with minimal valley flat. The dominant biogeoclimatic zone is Engleman Spruce Sub-alpine Fir (ESSF), but also includes areas of Sub-boreal Spruce (SBS) and Alpine Tundra (AT). The two major watersheds surveyed in the 1999 field season were the Ice and Spakwaniko Creek watersheds. Both these sub-basins drain into Herrick Creek below its FISS identified falls barrier Access Directions to the Herrick watershed from Prince George are as follows: Leaving Prince George on Highway 16 East follow this route for 15.5 km until the Willow River/Giscome/Upper Fraser turn-off. Turn left at this intersection and continue following this route for 17 km until the community of Willow River is reached. After crossing the railway tracks turn right and continue on this route for 55 km, passing through the community of Upper Fraser, until you reach the one lane Fraser River bridge crossing. After crossing the bridge (remaining roads are all gravel) turn right and follow the road to the old McGregor Camp site (approx. 300m). Turn left at the T-intersection and continue straight past the fuel card lock. This is now the Pass Lake Main. [Note: Radio controlled driving begins at the start of the Pass Lake Main with the use of the Monkman frequency. Continue on the Pass Lake Main for 46 km (mileage starts at 0 km at the old camp) until the one lane wooden suspension bridge over the McGregor River is reached. 1

11 1999 Herrick Creek Watershed Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory pg. 3 Figure 1

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13 Cross this bridge and turn left continuing on the Pass Lake Main until km64, where the road then changes to the Herrick Main. Mileage signage on the Herrick Main begins at km30. The change over in designation of the Pass Lake to Herrick Main is a straight stretch of road, not an intersection. At the changeover from the Pass Lake to Herrick Main, the radio frequency used becomes the Herrick. The Herrick Camp is located at km50. The Herrick Main Forest Service road accesses this area to km85 (September 1999), about 17 km upstream of the Herrick falls. Access beyond this point, into the Muller and Framstead Creek sub-basins, as well as up both sides of the Herrick Creek valley, is currently being developed. Access into the inventory areas in 1999 was via helicopter, although some 1997/98 resample sites were accessed via 4wd truck. 2.0 RESOURCE INFORMATION The Herrick Creek mainstem (approximate mainstem length 90km) contains a 10m waterfall (at km41) that serves as a barrier to upstream fish migration. According to FISS, anadromous resources within the watershed consist of chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytcha), which return in significant numbers (DFO 1996 spawning enumeration approx including mainstem and tributaries). In addition to chinook salmon, game fish populations of mountain whitefish (Prosopium williamsoni), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus), and burbot (Lota lota) are known to occur. Non-game fish documented through FISS include bridgelip sucker (Catostomus columbianus), coarsescale sucker (Catostomus macrocheilus), longnose sucker (Catostomus catostomus), northern squawfish (Ptycheilus oregonensis), prickly sculpin (Cottus asper), and slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus). Above the Herrick falls barrier, isolated populations of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) have been found (Lheidli T'enneh Band 1996, 1997 and 1998, Triton 1994). Resource use in the area up to 1996 had been very limited due to a lack of access. Prior to the construction of the present road, recreational fishing and hunting and guided hunting took place by jet boat access up to the Herrick falls. There was, and still is, a substantial amount of trapping in the valley. Limited amounts of caving, hiking/climbing and backcountry winter activities also take place. The newly developed access to the area has made it a popular destination for hunters in the fall months. This increased access has also provided more recreational fishing opportunities for resident rainbow and bull trout. The Monkman Provincial Park addition, through the Prince George Land and Resource Management Plan, now encompasses the upper portions of the Spakwaniko and Fontoniko watersheds (Province of British Columbia 1999). This also includes both Ice Lake and the Limestone Lakes, most of which were surveyed during this inventory project. In response to beetle infestation, Forest Development Planning and activities within the Herrick Creek Watershed are taking place at an accelerated rate, necessitating the need for continued inventory to further establish the distribution of fish and their habitats within the watershed. Canadian Forest Products Ltd. (Canfor), through acquisition of Northwood Inc. in November 1999, are now the holders of forest license A This license comprises all of the currently active logging area within the Herrick Creek watershed inclusive of the 1999 study area. Canfor Ltd. and the Lheidli T enneh Band have entered into a joint harvesting venture (i.e., Chunzoolh) under the tenure of this Forest License. Forest harvesting activities and planning has been rapidly taking place while the state of the information available on known fish distributions and habitat within the area has increased at a 3

14 lesser rate. In order to increase the available information on fish and critical habitats within the watershed, and ensure they are incorporated into resource planning initiatives, fish inventory must continue in an intensive manor. Fish and fish habitat inventory work in the Herrick Creek watershed was devised to address these needs within the sub-basins that will undergo significant amounts of timber harvesting and road construction in the current year and the next two years ( ). Specifically, areas which will see accelerated development in the near future are in the lower portions of Herrick Creek in both the Ice Creek (local name) (WSC ) and Spakwaniko Creek (WSC ) sub-basins. The Herrick Creek watershed is also a portion of the Traditional Territory of the Lheidli T enneh Band. The Band has identified an area within the watershed (Ice Mountain) as being a Sacred Area, with interests in this area that are not yet specified. Members of the Lheidli T enneh community once held the tenure on the majority of the trap lines in the area and historically and presently carry out traditional activities of food and medicine gathering. The area also contains significant wildlife resources with populations of grizzly and black bears, moose, caribou, and goat (Lheidli T enneh Band 1999a). 2.1 Summary of Previous Fish and Fish Habitat Inventories The first year of inventory in the Herrick Creek watershed was 1996 and it was focused above the Herrick Creek falls within the Framstead Creek sub-basin (Lheidli T enneh Band 1996). A total of 96 reaches were sampled with an additional 20 reaches re-sampled in Fish (i.e., bull trout) were caught in only five reaches. The work was conducted as per the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Fish Habitat and Information Program: Stream Survey Field Guide. The sampling plan was established based on Resource Inventory Committee (RIC) 1:20000 Reconnaissance Inventory Procedures published in 1997 and which formed the basis of present day standards. This two year plan was comprised of 1 st, 2 nd, 3 rd and 4 th order watersheds flowing directly into the Herrick Creek mainstem both above and below the Herrick Creek falls. In 1997, sub-basin tributary areas of 13 km 2 and 16.8 km 2 were surveyed below and above these falls respectively, exclusive of the Framstead and Muller Creek sub-basins (Lheidli T enneh 1997). A total of 101 reaches were surveyed in the lower Herrick Creek study area and 329 in the Upper Herrick Creek study area. The planning area also included 170 km 2 of the Framstead Creek watershed and 97.8 km 2 of the Muller Creek watershed (Lheidli T'enneh 1998). The 1997 portion of the Framstead Creek survey consisted of 81 reaches with 271 reaches surveyed in The Muller Creek survey consisted of 149 reaches in 1997 and 91 reaches in To date, this equates to approximately 41% of the Muller Creek and 54% of the Framstead Creek watersheds being surveyed (Lheidli T'enneh 1998). During the 1997 field season, FISS documented fish species such as burbot, bull trout, and rainbow trout were verified below the Herrick Creek falls. Chinook salmon numbers below the falls were enumerated at approximately 4000 in 1998 including mainstem Herrick Creek and tributaries such as Ice and Spakwaniko Creeks (Barry Huber, pers. comm.). Mountain whitefish and northern squawfish were also documented within a variety of age classes from 0+ to adults (Lheidli T enneh Band 1997). The 1997 field season also continued to affirm the presence of isolated bull trout populations above the Herrick falls which was previously documented by Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. in 1994 and the Lheidli T enneh Band in The 1998 portion of inventory work was concentrated around logging and road building activity in the Framstead and Muller Creek watersheds. The continued inventory effort above the Herrick Creek mainstem falls further confirmed the presence of a monoculture bull trout population. 4

15 However, this population may actually consist of a number (yet to be determined through genetics) of different fluvial bull trout populations. Bull trout above the Herrick Creek falls barrier are using habitats as described in Baxter (1997). Bull trout of all age classes were captured in the Framstead and Muller watersheds including adults in early spawning colour. Tributaries both above and below the Herrick Creek falls are important as rearing habitat to mainstem fluvial populations, especially during high water and turbidity events. However, a large number of tributaries lacked sufficient habitat for over wintering thus further emphasizing the importance of mainstem habitats. Isolated tributary populations of bull trout were also found during the 1998 inventory. The implications of these findings were significant in that obvious instream barriers to fish migration were not always indicators of fish distribution limits. This held true in several findings of the 1999 stream inventory as well. Canfor Ltd. (i.e. legacy Northwood Inc.), through FRBC, initiated an ongoing water quality inventory project in the Herrick Creek watershed in 1997 (AGRA Earth and Environmental Ltd. 1998). The program entails monitoring stream turbidity, discharge, temperature and other water quality parameters using automated and manual procedures in various portions of the watershed. The objective of the program is to monitor the effects of forest harvesting activities on water quality. A Water Survey of Canada station is also present on Muller Creek that continuously collects stream level and discharge information. 3.0 METHODS 3.1 Project Plan In July of 1999, under direction of the Reconnaissance (1:20000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory Standards and Procedures (Province of British Columbia 1998a), Northwood Inc. (now Canfor Ltd.), and the Regional Fisheries Inventory Specialist, the Lheidli T enneh Band developed a sampling plan for a portion of the Herrick Creek watershed. It was determined that inventory work in 1999 would be limited to 3 rd order or larger watersheds which flowed directly into the Lower Herrick including the Ice Creek (WSC ) and Spakwaniko Creek watersheds (WSC ). Other direct 3 rd order sub-basins to Herrick Creek chosen for sampling were WSCs , , and Several 1 st and 2 nd order direct tributaries to Herrick Creek were also selected. The plan identified a total 1999 study area of 261 km 2, 990 stream reaches, and 19 lake and unchannelized wetland reaches. Based on the 1:20000 reconnaissance inventory sampling design, total sample size was 133 stream reaches; 74 random, 59 discretionary, two primary lakes, and one secondary lake (Lheidli T'enneh 1999a). The primary lakes include lake WBID 00092HERR of WSC and lake WBID 00091HERR of WSC The only secondary lake chosen for sampling was WBID 00094HERR of WSC (Lheidli T'enneh 1999a). In addition to the aforementioned, a total of 60 re-sample sites from the 1997 and 1998 inventories were completed (Lheidli T enneh 1997 and 1998). 5

16 3.2 Data Collection and Procedures The 1999 stream inventory field work commenced on August 20 and concluded on September 12. Data collection forms and sampling procedures followed those described in the Reconnaissance (1:20000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory Standards and Procedures manual (Province of British Columbia 1998a). Site data forms for unchannelized wetlands and no visible channels contained the most alterations to data collection. All header and site referencing information was completed for both scenarios. Applicable data related to water characteristics, cover, crown closure, riparian vegetation, gradient, bed material, general depths, features, photos, habitat quality characterization, wildlife, and general comments were generally completed for an unchannelized wetland. Areas that were void of any channelization such as vegetated gullies or draws generally had only gradient, crown closure, habitat characterization (occasionally), photos, wildlife, and general comments recorded in addition to the header information. Fish DNA and fish aging structures were not collected for stream sites as per terms of the contract. However, these were collected for fish caught in Ice Lake (local) during its lake inventory. To maximize the interpretive value of collected data and avoid probable ineffective follow-up sampling within sub-basins where proper timing of fish surveys for sufficient flows and/or habitat is difficult, crews were trained to ensure that they make specific observations with regard to the following: Assess current and past flow regime with respect to signs of scouring, flooding, and types and amount of instream vascular vegetation. Substantial amounts of instream vascular vegetation combined with little exposed substrate indicate poor flow regimes and the likely absence of any substantial fish habitat. If channel characteristics, flow regime, and substrate were such that the stream had the potential to provide fish habitat, crews subjectively assessed habitat quality with regard to potential rearing, spawning, cover, and over wintering habitat. Fish access to many streams and/or upstream fish distributions within the study area were limited by various geophysical factors such as cascades, falls, and high gradient stream sections. Crews were directed to assess such features as potential barriers to fish access at all possible flow conditions. Based on past findings of fish above apparent barriers, crews were made aware of potential isolated fish populations within the study area. Through the specific collection of such stream biophysical data, a reach found not to initially contain fish or which could not be sampled can be better assessed for the potential for fish to access and utilize the stream at any point in time under a variety of conditions. If it was felt that there was any possibility of fish presence at any given time within the reach, the reach was assigned a fish bearing status. Conversely, if the reach was thought not to provide any possible fish habitat or access at any time, it was given a non-fish bearing status. If the biophysical information collected for the site/reach did not clearly address fish habitat or access potential, the reach was recommended for re-sampling (Lheidli T'enneh 1999b). Repeatedly returning to resample low potential reaches can be an inefficient and inconclusive method of applying a stream classification in many situations. The ability of fish to access and utilize some reaches can vary dramatically depending largely on the variability of flow regimes from such things as spring freshet and storm events, and the presence/absence of some seasonal barriers such as beaver dams. To conclude that a particular reach is non-fish bearing 6

17 based on the absence of fish on more than one sampling occasion can still prove erroneous. Detailed initial observations and recommendations of personnel specifically directed to assess the potential for fish habitat and access, along with reasonable project timing, can be a more accurate and cost effective method of determining fish bearing status than repeated follow-up sampling (Lheidli T enneh 1999b). If additional reach breaks were added as a result of field observations, the reach at the downstream end was given a fractional reference. As an example, if reach 1 was split into two reaches, the downstream reach would now be 0.1 with the remaining upstream reach annotated as 1. These were not entered into FDIS as sub-reaches. They were treated as separate reaches in the data set. Where canopy cover or surrounding elevation did not allow for UTM data collection by GPS, hard copy or digital 1:20000 TRIM maps on ARCVIEW GIS software were used to establish UTM coordinates. Site and feature locations were mapped based on a combination of GPS or digitally obtained UTM coordinates, field map interpretation, and aerial photograph interpretation. Therefore, uncorrected UTM coordinates on field site/fish cards do not match corresponding map (i.e., GIS) based UTM coordinates. Fish vouchers were collected and stored in alcohol as representative specimens of the watershed or where identification was in question. They were sent to Dr. Gordon Haas of the MoELP Fisheries Research Section at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver for confirmation of field crew identification. The subsequent Fish Identification Form has been submitted as Appendix 6. Table 1 outlines the specifics of all equipment used for stream inventory data collection. 3.3 Data Entry Version 7.2 of the Fisheries Data Information System (FDIS) program was used to enter all field site and fish collection data into digital format. Several "glitches" still exist in this version and data entry modifications had to be made in relation to these and/or how FDIS varies from the field forms. Data entry modifications/clarifications are as follows: The same number was used for both site NIDs and site numbers for agency CO38 (Lheidli T'enneh). Agency C160 (Environmental Dynamics Inc.) used site 1 for the primary lake tributaries entered into FDIS. The FDIS project identification number (1781) was not put on the field fish forms but was included in FDIS. FDIS will not accept ILP and ILP map numbers where there is a watershed code however, this information was left on corresponding field site and fish forms as reference information. The FDIS code for cobble under bank texture is U. Reach planning data had to be revisited and edited to reflect any reach numbering changes as described in section

18 When the only bed material was fines, a value of 0.01 was entered into FDIS for D95 and D as the program requires a value. In this case, the 0.01 reflects a true value of 0. Feature photos were entered in both the features and photo documentation sections in FDIS. FDIS rounds feature lengths to the nearest metre (i.e., it will not accept decimal places). If a site originally identified as a stream during planning was found to be a wetland upon field visitation, it had to remain checked off as a stream on the fish form because of the original planning data. Visual observations on the fish form had to be entered under the Site/Method, Gear Settings and Fish Summary sections but were not entered in the Individual Fish Data section as they were estimates of species and size. Electrofisher settings on the field form are split between the Electrofisher Specifications and Gear Settings sections in FDIS. This is a FDIS format error. The Fish Collection Permit number on the field fish form and in FDIS refers to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) permit number (i.e., ) as the MoELP permit does not come with a numerical reference. If several fishing methods were used at a site, including minnow traps, there is not always enough room to list each gear piece individually on the field form under the Site/Method section. Although all gear can be individually listed in FDIS, abbreviated versions of this listing were used on the field forms instead of using multiple forms. In the Update Image and CD section of FDIS, photos were entered by roll then frame (i.e refers to roll 01, frame 02). On the CD that contains the scanned photo images, these are referenced in the same order and contain characters that indicate roll and frame (i.e. r01f02). As stream sites for the secondary lake inventory do not require a full reconnaissance level survey form, photos were attached to the lake survey form. No reach cards were printed for the unmapped tributaries found during the lake survey. It is not possible to give planning data related to TRIM reach characteristics for streams which are not mapped. 8

19 Table 1. Stream survey equipment List Parameter Angling Fishing rods Reels Lures Line Channel measurements Gradient Channel and wetted widths Depth Electrofishing Electrofisher Voltmeter Anode ring Anode pole Cathode Dip net Fish (general) Preservative (vouchers) Relaxant Length Identification Fish trapping Traps Bait Orienteering Compass Maps Air photos Walking distance Position Photography Cameras Water conditions Conductivity ph Temperature Safety Instrument used Six foot spinning Spinning Dry and sinking flies, spoons, spinners Low-test transparent (3 kg test) Cansel Abney Level A variety of standard rigid and soft metric measuring tapes Dip net pole (10-cm increment) Smith Root 12-B Dagatnon cm diameter 1.6 meter two-piece rat-tail type pull behind 1.5-m length, 15 and 25-cm diameter sieves 70% ethanol Alka-Seltzer tablets Calibrated tapes McPhail and Carveth (1994) Gee-type traps (22-cm diameter, 42-cm length, 3-cm funnel opening, 6 mm x 6 mm mesh) Salmon roe or cat food Suunto MC-1 and Nexus 15TBCL Elite 1:20000 TRIM 1:15000 (approx.) Hip chain calibrated in meters (Topometric Products Ltd.) GARMIN GPS 12XL (uncorrected), ARCVIEW software and digital orthophotos CANON SURE SHOT WP-1 35mm Automatic VIVITAR SERIES 1 480PZ 35mm Automatic Hanna Instruments portable conductivity meter (model PCM ). Accuracy: +5µs TDSTestr 20 conductivity meter. Accuracy: +1µs Hannah Instruments ph EP3 ph meter. Accuracy: +0.2pH Corning ph-30" ph meter. Accuracy: +0.1pH Taylor pocket thermometer model no Accuracy: +0.5 o C Hand held Icom radios and an Icom "Base" radio Bear spray and bangers First aid kits 9

20 3.4 Fish and Fish Habitat Maps Overview, Project and Interpretive maps were produced according to version 2.0 of the Standards for Fish and Fish Habitat Maps manual (Province of British Columbia 1998c). Discussions were held with the Regional Ministry Inventory Specialist (Lynn Blouw) with regards to mapping parameters, particularly for the interpretive maps, and Contractor suggested deviations from Standards. Discussions led to the following agreed upon map annotations: Stream site data, reach data, and reach summary symbols are placed on the bottom of their respective maps in a tabular format that relates the data to the stream reach via a site NID or watershed code/ilp and reach number. This is done to reduce clutter on maps. Where unchannelized streams were sampled, both the site and reach symbols use NVC in the lower part of the symbols to indicate no visible channel because required data could not be collected for these scenarios. Similarly, where unchannelized wetlands were sampled the symbol used is NVC-w. Any partial data collected for these latter sites, such as gradient and bed material, has not been used in the symbols as it is incomplete and does not conform to standard stream site or reach classification data. Reach data symbols on project maps are only provided for sampled reaches and those less than 30% gradient in order to reduce clutter. As reach data requirements are not applicable to open water bodies, only watershed code or ILP and WBID numbers are provided for these reaches as per the mapping standards (Province of British Columbia 1998c). As per mapping standards, reach summary symbols have been provided for all reaches in the study area on the interpretive maps including those reaches not sampled. However, where no sampling occurred the symbol consists of two parts: 1) "NS" for not sampled, and 2) reach gradient from planning data. The stream riparian classification (e.g., S1-S4 or S5-S6) area within the summary symbol has subsequently been left blank. Red/blue and solid/dashed lines are used to illustrate stream classes on the interpretive maps. Solid red is for confirmed fish bearing streams and solid blue for those considered non-fish bearing. Dashed red is for interpreted (i.e., unconfirmed) fish bearing reaches and dashed blue for interpreted (i.e., unconfirmed) non-fish bearing reaches. All interpretations of fish presence/absence for non-sampled reaches are based on synthesis of data from surrounding surveyed reaches, known obstructions, and map gradient. Many reaches were interpreted by gradient alone, using a maximum gradient of 30% for interpreted fish bearing status because of the presence of bull trout in the watershed. Bull trout can be found in areas of gradient up to 30% which exceeds the standard FPC limit of 20% (Cannings and Ptolemy 1998). As a result, non-sampled reaches exceeding 30% gradient were interpreted as nonfish bearing while those below 30% were interpreted as fish bearing unless known biophysical parameters precluded this (i.e., obstructions). In some cases, non-sampled low gradient reaches (i.e., <30%) upstream of high gradient reaches (i.e., >30%) were interpreted as fish bearing because of the possibility of isolated bull trout populations. Interpreted fish distribution data for non-sampled (i.e., non-selected) reaches is not suitable for operational planning without confirmation through further inventory. 4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 10

21 4.1 Logistics Certain logistical and operational considerations had to be addressed during the field sampling program. These largely involved access, water levels and water quality. All sites, except some resample sites, were accessed by helicopter because of the lack of roads. On occasion, this prevented the use of minnow traps as a second fishing method because of financial considerations. Water levels and flows were higher than in previous years work (Lheidli T'enneh 1997 and 1998) as there were a number of rain days during the survey period. Conductivity readings ranged from 10 to 209µs/cm with an average of 90µs/cm. As a result of these lower values, multiple fishing gear types were used where possible along with increased shocking effort to effectively sample sites. More than 62% of the sites shocked were done so for greater than 100m (i.e., x > 146m). In addition, most turbidity estimates were generally clear which further assisted in visual observations of fish. Average water temperature readings were well above the MoELP accepted minimum of 4 o C for effective electrofishing (i.e., x = 8.3 o C). In total, there were 72 stream sites not sampled for fish because they were either a no visible channel (NVC) or there were inadequate sampling conditions with regard to lack of water, high gradient, and/or because they were tributaries to a lake being surveyed. Many fish were thought to have moved out of smaller tributary systems into deeper and larger main channels containing more suitable over winter habitat. Fishing effort was therefore increased, where feasible, to account for the likelihood of lower fish densities. 4.2 Field Based Adjustments to the 1999 Sample Plan After completion of fieldwork the following reach/site alterations were made to the initial project plan data and maps: Additional lake tributary reaches were surveyed during the primary lake surveys. These were: ILP 40427, Site NID 81949; ILP 40430, Site NID 81954; ILP 40432, Site NID 81956; ILP 40433, Site NID 81957; and ILP 40428, Site NID for WBID 00091HERR (Ice Lake). Also surveyed were two previously unmapped tributaries: ILP 50250, Site NID and ILP 50251, Site NID These unmapped tributaries have no associated reach planning data because of insufficient data. Tributaries surveyed for WBID 00092HERR (Limestone Lakes) include: ILP 40395, Site NID 81908; WSC , Site NID 81899; ILP 40386, Site NID 81898; ILP 40394, Site NID 81907; ILP 40396, Site NID 81909; ILP 40397, Site NID 81910; and ILP 40398, Site NID Also surveyed was one previously unmapped tributary: ILP 50252, reach 1, Site NID This unmapped tributary has no associated reach planning because of insufficient data. The aforementioned surveyed lake tributaries to primary lakes WBID 00091HERR and WBID 00092HERR (Ice Lake and Limestone Lake respectively), were entered into FDIS as incomplete. This was because the data forms were based on field notes and estimates only. These reaches have been given an inferred S-class at the request of the Regional Inventory Specialist because of the estimated channel widths. 11

22 As per RIC standards, field notes were taken for tributaries of the secondary lake survey of WBID 00094HERR (Limestone Lakes). These were: WSC , Site NID 81923; WSC , Site NID 81922; WSC , Site NID81920; ILP 40405, Site NID 81921; ILP 40408, Site NID 81925; WSC , reach 9, Site NID 81888; and ILP 40409, Site NID One previously unmapped tributary was also documented: ILP 50253, reach 1. This unmapped tributary has no associated reach planning because of insufficient data. As these tributaries do not have an associated stream survey form, they were not entered into FDIS. Their associated site photos are inserted into Appendix 1 with the secondary lake survey form. One upstream reach break (WSC , reach 1) was significantly moved downstream to the top of a field observed beaver dam complex that notably changed the stream characteristics. Corresponding reach planning data was corrected. Reach 1 of ILP was split into three reaches. Site NID was completed in reach 0.1 and Site NID was completed in reach 0.2. Corresponding reach planning data was corrected. A move of reach break 3 of ILP created two sites in reach 2; Site NIDs and Reach 2 of WSC was split into two reaches with Site NID completed in reach 1.1 and Site NID completed in reach 2. Corresponding reach planning data was corrected. Reach 1 of ILP was split into two reaches with Site NID completed in reach 0.1. Corresponding reach planning data was corrected. Reach 1 of ILP was split into two reaches with Site NID completed in reach 0.1. Corresponding reach planning data was corrected. Two sites were done in reach 1 of WSC These were Site NIDs and Two sites were done in reach 2 of WSC These were Site NIDs and Two sites were done in reach 4 of WSC These were Site NIDs and A number of stream TRIM anomalies were noted during the field inventory. These were observed at reach 1 of Site NIDs 81979, 81298, 81911, and 81131; reach 0.1 of Site NID 81410; reach 0.2 of Site NID 82271; reach 3 of Site NID 81885; reach 1 of ILPs 30168, 30171, 30169, 30036, and reach 4 of ILP The above resulted in a final 1999 planning total of 998 reaches. The final revised 1999 study area survey total is 151 stream reaches (155 sites), two primary lake surveys and one secondary lake survey. 12

23 4.3 Fish Habitat and Distribution Direct 1 st and 2 nd Order Tributaries to Herrick Creek There were seven sites surveyed within first or second order streams that flowed directly into the Herrick Creek mainstem. None of the stream sites could be sampled as five were no visible channels and the remaining two could not be sampled because of low flow and sub-surface flow. There were no barriers featured in either reach 1 of channelized ILP or WSC (Site NIDs and respectively) but flow and channel characteristics would indicate that they are unsuitable fish habitat most of the year. There is however, a potential for high water refuge during freshet events Direct 3 rd Order Tributaries to Herrick Creek (ILP 30153, ILP 30166, ILP 50234, and WSC ) ILP is a small third order watershed draining into Herrick Creek from the northeast. Reach 0.1 of the mainstem is a beaver wetland complex in which no fish caught however, it is likely fish bearing because of its proximity to the mainstem Herrick Creek. Reach 0.2 of ILP is a no visible channel. This is the result of a TRIM anomaly in which reach 1 of the mainstem actually drains towards an adjacent wetland to the southeast. A number of chinook juveniles and one rainbow trout were captured throughout reach 2 of mainstem ILP A large cascade was documented at the bottom of reach 3 of ILP (Table 2). Although reach 3 was not fished, the reach is unlikely to contain fish above this feature. ILP is a small sub-basin that appears to drain an old back channel portion of Herrick Creek and the surrounding hillside. There was some beaver activity observed in reach 1 (not sampled) which backed up water into reach 2. Beaver ponds were also verified in reach 2 of ILP A number of rainbow trout were captured and observed within ILP reach 2 and ILP reach 1. Both reaches are low gradient. There were two no visible channel reaches identified within this sub-basin. Third order sub-basin ILP only totals a magnitude of four. For this reason, flows in this system were too minimal to support fish at the time of the survey and a gradient barrier at the confluence with Herrick Creek of 40-50% further reduces the likelihood of seasonal fish presence even in high water. Channel characteristics above the barrier would not support a resident fish population as there is no depth for over wintering and no spawning habitat because of an all fines substrate. There is a cascade barrier at the confluence of third order basin WSC and the Herrick Creek (Table 2). Another barrier was found in the upper part of mainstem reach 1 which further denies access to the uppermost reaches within this watershed. Reaches surveyed above this indicated poor spawning habitat due to an all fines substrate and the unlikely presence of a resident population. No fish were captured in this entire watershed Direct 4 th Order Tributary to Herrick Creek (WSC ) WSC is a unique 4 th order system in which rainbow trout were verified above two large falls-cascade barriers (feature NIDs and 92325) within reach 1 of the mainstem (Table 2). This population may be isolated or individuals may have the capacity to move during different flow regimes. This discovery of a possibly isolated population of rainbow trout is a first 13

24 for the Herrick Creek watershed since the Lheidli T enneh began inventory in the watershed in Other reaches in this system were not sampled because of poor fishing conditions. However, it was noted that unsampled reaches had good potential salmonid rearing and spawning habitat. Few barriers to fish migration were noted in remainder of the system with the exception of several no visible channel and high gradient reaches. Fish presence is likely throughout unsurveyed parts of the system where habitat and lower gradients exist Ice Creek Sub-Basin This large 4 th order system drains to Herrick Creek between the Fontoniko and Spakwaniko Creek watershed confluence s with the Herrick. As previously mentioned, Ice Creek is a local name. The watershed has a total area of 42 km 2 and a stream network of 137 km based on 1:20000 TRIM data. The watershed contains five 3 rd order sub-basins. One is a tributary to reach 1 of Ice Creek, three are tributaries to reach 6 of Ice Creek, and one is a tributary to reach 7 of Ice Creek. A total of twenty-nine reaches were surveyed in the Ice Creek watershed. Eight reaches were determined to be no visible channels. Three falls, three beaver dams, two woody debris jams and a slump were featured (Table 2). There was a total combined fishing effort of 2291 electrofisher seconds over 1.04 km of stream and deployment of 25 minnow traps for a total of hours within the Ice Creek watershed. A total of 41 fish were captured or observed including bull trout, rainbow trout, chinook salmon, mountain whitefish, largescale sucker, lake chub (Couesius plumbeus), and northern squawfish. Lake chub had not been previously documented through FISS. The Ice Creek mainstem is situated in the bottom of a glacial formed valley and is relatively low gradient through the majority of its reaches with the exception of the headwaters (i.e. reaches 8, 9, and 10). Most tributaries have short low gradient sections near their respective confluence with Ice Creek that quickly rise from the valley bottom to become high gradient first and second order reaches. Third order basins to Ice Creek are also situated in smaller glacial troughs and where access and habitat is available, they are likely to be fish bearing as mainstem Ice Creek is fish bearing through to reach Mainstem Reaches of Ice Creek (WSC ) Reach 2 of mainstem Ice Creek is a very low gradient (1.5%) and wide reach (i.e. 14.4m), free of any permanent fish migration barriers. Adult and juvenile bull trout, juvenile rainbow trout, and spawning adult and juvenile chinook were all caught or observed. This reach terminates at a log jam above which channel characteristics change. This jam is not an upstream migration barrier as a spawning chinook was observed above this point in reach 3. Reach 4 exhibits a slightly higher gradient (i.e. 4%) and has an average channel width of 11m. Mountain whitefish and bull trout were captured. A falls/cascade complex was featured in the upper end of this reach (Table 2) that probably limits mountain whitefish distribution as only bull trout were captured above this point. Reach 5 has an average gradient of 7% and an average channel width of 10m. Both adult and juvenile bull trout were visually identified within this reach but the relative densities appear to be low. Good bull trout spawning and rearing habitat was identified and one adult bull trout was observed in spawning colour. This further affirms the utilization of large mainstem tributary habitats for isolated populations of bull trout in the Herrick Creek watershed. 14